In the world of contemporary art, few mediums are as intimate as portraiture. It demands a profound connection between artist and subject, a dialogue that transcends words and finds its voice in brushstrokes and colours.
For Nigerian artist Osimeh Godstand, this connection is the heartbeat of his work. His evocative portraits, rich with texture and vibrant hues, celebrate African heritage, identity and resilience, offering a powerful testament to the beauty and strength of the Black experience.
Godstand’s paintings are impossible to ignore. His subjects—often women—are rendered with such depth and intentionality that their personalities seem to leap off the canvas. Their contemplative expressions and deliberate gestures invite viewers into their worlds, creating a sense of intimacy that feels almost sacred. For Godstand, this is the essence of his art: to give voice to the voiceless and to weave personal and communal histories into a single, compelling narrative.
•“Self Love I,” oil on linen, 2024“I see my art as a voice for myself and all those who cannot voice their feelings, a way to engage in a dialogue that transcends time,” Godstand explains in a My Modern Met interview. “Black culture, African history—it’s always been about expression, about finding ways to speak even when you’re silenced. That’s what my work is trying to do.”
Godstand’s artistic journey began unexpectedly. Though music was his first love, he found himself drawn to drawing during his secondary school years, even without formal art training. When he finally had the opportunity to study art, painting became his chosen medium. Over the years, his style has evolved from straightforward representations to more complex, emotionally charged compositions.
“At first, I focused on capturing likeness, but now it’s about capturing feeling,” he says. “I use hazy backgrounds and vivid colors to create spaces where hidden emotions can come to the forefront. My work is about empathy, connection, and recognizing the beauty and complexity of our shared humanity.”
This evolution is evident in pieces like “Solitude I” (2023) and ‘Finding Peace*” (2024), where atmospheric backgrounds and rich textures draw viewers into the emotional landscapes of his subjects. Godstand’s use of colour is particularly striking, with hues that seem to sing, conveying the intensity of the feelings he seeks to capture.
Godstand’s relationship with his subjects is deeply personal. He sees his art as a platform for those who feel unseen or unheard, a way to amplify their stories and celebrate their identities. “Everyone wants to be heard, but often no one truly listens,” he reflects. “My art is a way to engage in a dialogue that transcends time, to encourage people to embrace their identity and history, and to acknowledge their profound beauty.”
This commitment to storytelling is evident in works like “Lady Shakara (Lady Conceit)” (2022), a vibrant exploration of societal pressures and self-definition, and “The Red Scarf Series,” which uses a single motif to weave narratives of connection and resilience. Each painting is a testament to the strength and complexity of the human spirit, particularly within the African diaspora.
As a contemporary African artist, Godstand feels a deep responsibility to honour his heritage while contributing to the broader African art scene. “Being an African artist isn’t about fitting into a box,” he says. “It’s about carrying a weight, a responsibility to tell stories that haven’t always been heard.”
His work reflects this mission, blending traditional and modern styles to create art that resonates on a universal level while remaining rooted in African culture. “We’ve always used art to resist, to reclaim our narrative,” he explains. “From spirituals to murals, art has been a way to speak truth, to heal, and to inspire. My work is just another chapter in that story.”
Godstand’s upcoming project, “A Wish to Be Celebrated,” promises to be a powerful exploration of the desire for recognition and validation. “It’s about capturing that yearning for our stories and contributions to be acknowledged,” he says. “It’s a theme that resonates deeply within our community.”
Through his art, Godstand hopes to inspire viewers to see themselves and their experiences reflected in his work. “I want people to feel seen and heard, to recognise the strength and beauty that’s always been a part of who we are,” he says. “Our struggles, our joys, our stories—they connect us. That’s what I want my art to remind people of.”
Osimeh Godstand’s work is a celebration of resilience, a tribute to heritage, and a call to embrace the beauty of our shared humanity.
- Featured image: Osimeh Godstand//mymodernmet.com
